A California physician accused of intentionally driving his family’s vehicle off a coastal cliff in 2023 has had all criminal charges dismissed after successfully completing a court-ordered mental health treatment program.
A judge dismissed the attempted murder charges against Dharmesh Patel after he completed a two-year mental health diversion program involving treatment from a Stanford University psychiatrist and a family therapist.
Patel, 45, was accused of driving a Tesla off a 250-foot cliff along Pacific Coast Highway near an area known as Devil’s Slide in San Mateo County on Jan. 2, 2023. His wife and two young children were inside the vehicle, but all four survived the crash.
The case drew national attention after emergency officials described the family’s survival as extraordinary. Prosecutors had charged Patel with multiple counts of attempted murder following the incident.
According to Steve Wagstaffe, the dismissal was required under California’s mental health diversion law after Patel completed the court-approved treatment plan.
A judge previously ruled in 2024 that Patel qualified for mental health diversion instead of facing trial. His defense attorneys argued that he was experiencing severe depression and hallucinations at the time of the crash, affecting his ability to understand reality.
Under California law, eligible defendants who successfully complete approved mental health treatment can have their charges dismissed. Prosecutors had opposed Patel receiving diversion and argued that attempted murder cases should not qualify for the program.
Wagstaffe said prosecutors plan to continue efforts to change the law so that attempted murder charges would no longer be eligible for mental health diversion.
Following his release from jail in 2024, Patel completed outpatient treatment while living with his parents in San Mateo County. He was monitored through a GPS device, surrendered his driver’s license and passport, and was required to report regularly to the court.
During the treatment period, Patel’s wife and children also moved to the Bay Area. Court officials eventually allowed Patel to spend time with his family, including taking them on supervised drives.
Patel’s wife told the court that she had forgiven him and did not want him to face prosecution. She said their children missed their father and wanted him to return home.
After the charges were dismissed, Patel and his wife left the courthouse together, according to reports.
The case also affected Patel’s medical career. The Medical Board of California previously restricted him from practicing medicine while the criminal case was pending. Officials later confirmed that Patel surrendered his California medical license in December.
The dismissal closes a case that raised questions about the intersection of mental health treatment, criminal accountability, and public safety within the legal system.
