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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 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | August 11, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The best defense lawyer in Sussex
He worked on the prosecution side so he knows the system better than anyone. If you’ve got any type of legal issue he is the guy you want in your corner. No questions asked.
Posted by anonymous | September 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Derek Gay
Mr. Gay represented my two teenagers in a traffic case. His customer service was exceptional. Mr. Gay gave good sound advice which led to the best possible outcome. I would recommend Mr. Gay to anyone who needed an attorney.
Posted by USAF Military serviceman | August 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
The lawyer with the biggest toolbox
I retained Mr. Gay for a PFA response after an old ex spouse resurfaced with some old allegations which spanned over a decade and multiple countries. Initially the evidence that she presented was significant but Mr. Gay was very quick to spot all of the inconsistencies and lies which showed her true...
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...
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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