Thomas Gilmer of Madison, who after his arrest on domestic violence charges dropped out of the Republican race to be his party’s candidate in Connecticut’s 2nd Congressional District, could avoid prosecution and a criminal record under court rules that give certain first-time offenders a second chance.
Gilmer, who does not have a criminal record, could be eligible for the court system’s Family Violence Education program, which allows people accused of domestic violence to get counseling and take classes rather than be prosecuted.
If he successfully completes the program, the criminal charges against him will be dismissed and he will not have a criminal record from the incident.