TL/DR –
Dharmesh Patel, a California doctor who was accused of intentionally driving his family off a cliff in a Tesla in 2023, has been granted a mental health diversion and will not stand trial. Patel, who was charged with three counts of attempted murder, has been diagnosed with a depressive disorder which the court deemed made him eligible for the mental health diversion program. Once released, Patel will be required to stay at his parents’ residence, wear a GPS monitor, and surrender his driver’s license and passport.
California Doctor Accused of Driving Family off Cliff Will Not Stand Trial
Dharmesh Patel, a California doctor who was accused of intentionally driving his family off a cliff along the Pacific Coast Highway in 2023, will not face trial due to a granted mental health diversion, per court records.
Patel, 42, was charged with three counts of attempted murder after allegedly driving his Tesla off a San Mateo County cliff with his wife and two children, ages 4 and 7, inside. He pleaded not guilty and was granted a mental health diversion, allowing him to avoid jail time.
Judge Susan Jakubowski of the San Mateo County Superior Court deemed Patel eligible for a mental health diversion due to his depressive disorder, as stated by the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office and reported by The New York Times and CBS News.
Patel’s attorney proposed a two-year mental health outpatient treatment program instead of a trial, as reported by KRON-TV. After being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and major depressive disorder, Patel’s doctors suggested a bridging period in county jail before his release.
Upon release, Patel will be required to reside at his parent’s home in Belmont, California, and will only be allowed to leave for treatment or court appearances. He will also be required to wear a GPS monitor and surrender his driver’s license and passport.
Details of the Incident
On Jan. 2, 2023, Patel drove his Tesla off the Devil’s Slide— a cliff along the Pacific Coast Highway. The family survived the crash after hours-long rescue efforts and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Battalion Chief Brian Pottenger of Cal Fire deemed their survival a “miracle” due to the frequent fatal crashes along Devil’s Slide. Authorities later arrested Patel, citing the incident was “an intentional act.”
An unsealed search warrant affidavit revealed Patel’s wife told officers her husband was depressed and had intended to drive off the cliff. Despite the allegations, Neha Patel and other family members have shown support for Patel throughout the case.
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