California Doctor Charged with Attempted Murder Avoids Trial
San Mateo County, California
A California doctor who was charged with three counts of attempted murder after he intentionally drove his Tesla off a cliff, with his wife and two young children inside, will not face trial. Instead, he has been granted a mental health diversion, as per court records.
Details of the Incident
In January 2023, 42-year-old Dharmesh Patel was driving along the Pacific Coast Highway when he plunged his vehicle off a San Mateo County cliff. His wife and children, aged 4 and 7 at the time, were in the car and were able to survive the impact. Patel would later be arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder.
The Ruling
Despite the severity of the charges, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Susan Jakubowski granted Patel a mental health diversion last week. The judge ruled that Patel’s depressive disorder made him eligible for the program, thus avoiding jail time.
Patel’s lawyers had requested this mental health diversion, stating that the doctor should undergo a two-year mental health outpatient treatment program instead of standing trial.
Doctor’s Statement and His Future
Patel’s doctors, who diagnosed him with schizoaffective disorder and major depressive disorder, recommended that Patel should be held in county jail for several weeks as a “bridging period” before being released.
Once released, the district attorney’s office stated that Patel would be required to live at his parent’s residence in Belmont, California. He will only be allowed to leave the residence for his treatment program or to report to court. In addition, he must surrender his driver’s license and passport and will be required to wear a GPS monitor.
Responses and Aftermath
The incident and its conclusions have drawn varied responses. Many were shocked and appalled at the initial incident. The circumstances of the crash led authorities to believe that this had been an “intentional act”. Patel’s wife, however, and other family members have shown unwavering support for him throughout the legal proceedings. Patel’s wife testified that she did not want her husband prosecuted and was more concerned with his release from jail and wellbeing.
Despite the controversy, the matter seems to be resolved legally, for now, as authorities continue to monitor Patel and ensure the safety of his family and the public. However, the story underscores the importance of mental health considerations within legal proceedings and the broader community.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
