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About Derek
Biography
Practice Areas- Criminal Defense and Petitions for Protection from Abuse in Family Court
Derek is a Sussex County Native who was born and raised in Lewes, Delaware. Derek graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 2008, University of Delaware in 2012 and Delaware Law School in 2015.
After passing the Delaware Bar Exam, Derek began practice as an associate with the law firm of Stumpf, Vickers and Sandy P.A where he interned throughout the entirety of law school. While working for Stumpf, Vickers and Sandy Derek practiced in both the areas of criminal and family law.
In October of 2016, Derek took a position with the Department of Justice as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware where he prosecuted everything from traffic tickets to homicides. While serving as a Deputy Attorney General Derek also led the Drug Unit in prosecuting the county’s biggest drug offenders.
In March of 2022 Derek transitioned back into private practice and took a position with The Smith Firm, LLC where he practiced in the areas of Criminal Defense, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Personal Injury. In January of 2024 Derek accepted an offer to join the law firm of Gonser and Gonser P.A where he primarily practices out of their Georgetown office.
Derek has extensive trial experience in a multitude of Courts including Justice of the Peace Court, Alderman’s Court, Family Court, the Court of Common Pleas and Superior Court. As someone who has prosecuted cases, Derek is uniquely positioned to offer perspective on how cases are investigated and built as well as how to get the best resolution for his client. With Gonser and Gonser Derek primarily practices in the area of Criminal Defense and Petitions for Protection from Abuse. His work on Petition’s for Protection from Abuse recently earned him a nomination from Coastal Magazine as the top Family/Divorce attorney in Sussex County. Delaware Today magazine named Derek one of 2024’s top Lawyers. The National Trial Lawyers named Derek as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Delaware.
Practice Areas
14
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
DUI and DWI
13%
Estate Planning
10%
Family
10%
Fees and Rates
Awards
2022
Licenses
Licensed in Delaware for 10 years
State: Delaware
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
Location
Derek G Gay's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
17 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 11 - 15 of 17 reviews
Posted by C. W | November 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Traffic ticket
Mr Gay was very knowledgeable of my situation. He was able to get my case dropped without me a searing in court since I lived in Richmond, VA. I really appreciate the level of respect and communication. Will definitely use him again if needed!
Posted by Michelle | November 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Exceptional lawyer
Derek represented my son in Alderman’s court (very small town court) the judge nor the police officer were prepared for him. Derek pretty much left the police officer speechless. If we didn’t hire Derek my son would have had to plead guilty for his traffic violation and would have lost his job becaus...
Posted by Luciana Delfino | October 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Knowledge is power!
Derek is an amazing lawyer. Has helped me taking care of my tickets and other law needs. Always very attentive, nice, and my case turned out better than I could’ve hoped for! Give him a chance and you’ll be a lifetime member with him. Great personality and professional ethics. Thanks Derek!
Posted by Lucas | October 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Saved Me
I am in the midst of a nasty custody battle, where my ex-wife attempted to withhold my children from me by filing a baseless PFA. I retained Mr. Gay, and within three days, that baseless PFA was dismissed, and I am now back on track for 50/50 custody with my children. Gave us the best deal of any att...
Posted by Rupi | June 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Attorney to represent me for PFA case
Mr Gay, is a very professional, well articulated attorney and represented me better than I could have imagined. He was so through and he gave me the needed confidence to stay positive and focused. He exactly knew how I was feeling and thinking and was well prepared for my case. His closing statemen...
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Experience
Associations
2016 - Present
Terry-Carey American Inn of CourtMember
Education
2015
Delaware Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2012
University of Delaware
Other - Bachelors
2008
Cape Henlopen High School
GED