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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
22 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 20 reviews | 5 stars
Posted by anonymous | June 15, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Professional, Responsive, and Trustworthy During a Difficult Time
I highly recommend Derek Gay and his paralegal team. Throughout my PFA case, they were professional, responsive, and incredibly supportive during a difficult and stressful time. Derek was upfront, honest, and transparent about every step of the process, taking the time to explain my options and set r...
Posted by anonymous | June 13, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Superior representation
Derek is not just an excellent lawyer, he is an excellent human being. He is empathetic, communicative, vigilant, personable, determined and fair. My experience with his representation made me feel comfortable and confident. If your case is within his abilities, there is no one better.
Posted by Devin | June 06, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
I had an excellent experience working with Derek. From the very beginning, he was professional, responsive, and took the time to explain every step of the process. His knowledge, attention to detail, and dedication gave me confidence that my case was being handled properly.
Posted by anonymous | June 06, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Saved my life
I was looking at life in prison. Derek Gay literally saved my life. I will recommend him to anyone I come across three rest of my life ( outside bars).
Posted by Tracy | September 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Exceptional service
I was extremely satisfied with the outcome of my case and the support I received along the way. Derick was a great listener, was organized, well prepared, professional, caring, and confident. I am grateful for his expertise and attentiveness that helped me through this challenge in my life.
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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