Groton — A New London High School teacher and wrestling coach charged with drunken driving and an attempted assault on a police officer has applied for a special program for first-time offenders that could lead to the dismissal of charges.

Michael J. Gorton Jr., 31, of Waterford was due to appear Friday in New London Superior Court to answer to charges stemming from his Oct. 27 arrest by Groton Town Police. No plea was entered in the case and the court file was sealed after he made an application for the Accelerated Rehabilitation program.

Gorton was pulled over by police in Groton on Oct. 27 and police said he failed a field sobriety test and at the police station swung his elbow at a police officer escorting him to a jail cell.

The New London school district has not responded to requests for information about Gorton’s status in the district. Gorton is due to appear Dec. 14 in New London Superior Court.