A California man accused of driving his family off a cliff has been granted a mental health diversion, pausing his criminal trial for attempted murder as he enters a psychiatric treatment program for major depressive disorder.

Dharmesh Patel, who faces three counts of attempted murder after allegedly driving his family off a coastal highway cliff in January 2023, will suspend his criminal proceedings to enter a mental health diversion program. Judge Susan Jakubowski's decision allows Patel to undergo treatment for major depressive disorder, potentially leading to the dismissal of charges if successfully completed. This diversion program underscores California's approach to addressing crimes influenced by treatable mental illnesses, as Patel prepares to start a two-year treatment regimen affiliated with Stanford University.

Dharmesh Patel’s legal proceedings took a significant turn when Judge Susan Jakubowski granted the defense's request for a mental health diversion program. The decision came after Patel was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a condition that can severely affect an individual's judgment and behavior.

The incident that led to these charges occurred in January 2023, when Patel allegedly drove his Tesla off a cliff on a coastal highway, with his wife and two children inside. Miraculously, all four family members survived the crash, though his wife and their seven-year-old child suffered major injuries and were hospitalized.

Initially, Patel claimed that the vehicle experienced a malfunction, which caused the crash. However, his wife, Neha Patel, countered this assertion by stating that her husband intentionally drove off the cliff, influenced by his depression and delusions.

As part of the conditions for his mental health diversion, Patel must adhere to several strict requirements. He is mandated to wear a GPS monitor and must appear in court weekly to provide progress reports. Additionally, Patel is required to test twice a week to ensure medication compliance, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and he is prohibited from possessing weapons, driving, or having his driver’s license and passport.

Before entering the psychiatric program, Patel will spend a brief period in county jail as a transitional measure. Once released from county jail, he will live with his parents and begin a rigorous two-year treatment plan with a Stanford University psychiatric fellowship.

If Patel completes the psychiatric treatment program successfully, the charges against him could be dropped entirely. The mental health diversion program, which was introduced in California in 2018, is designed to offer an alternative to incarceration for individuals whose crimes are driven by treatable mental illnesses. However, it is important to note that certain felonies, such as murder, do not qualify for diversion.

Patel’s family has shown support for his treatment rather than incarceration. Reports indicate that Neha Patel and their children have not seen Dharmesh Patel in over a year and a half, yet they have expressed happiness about the opportunity for him to receive professional psychiatric help. This familial support highlights the potential for rehabilitation and recovery through mental health treatment.

The case raises important questions about the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. By choosing treatment over incarceration, the court aims to address the underlying causes of Patel’s actions, rather than just the actions themselves. Patel’s participation in this program will be closely monitored, and his progress will be continually assessed to ensure compliance and improvement.

As the criminal trial is paused, attention shifts to Patel's mental health treatment and its potential outcomes. His ability to adhere to the program's requirements and demonstrate meaningful progress will be critical in determining whether the charges against him will ultimately be dismissed.

In conclusion, Dharmesh Patel's case exemplifies the complexities of addressing mental illness within the legal system. While the charges are serious, the decision to grant a mental health diversion reflects a growing recognition of the need for compassionate and effective treatment for those whose crimes are influenced by mental health issues. As Patel begins his two-year psychiatric treatment, the legal and medical communities, as well as his family, will closely monitor his journey toward potential recovery and the resolution of his legal challenges.