A California man accused of deliberately driving his family off a cliff on the Pacific Coast Highway in January 2023 has been granted a mental health diversion, suspending his criminal trial, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s office.
Judge Susan Jakubowski approved the defense’s request for mental health diversion for Dharmesh Patel, 42, after determining his diagnosis of major depressive disorder. As per to the source edition.cnn
Patel faced three counts of attempted murder for allegedly steering his Tesla off Devil’s Slide, plunging 250 feet with his wife and two children inside. Patel pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Miraculously, all four family members survived the crash. Patel’s wife and their 7-year-old child sustained major injuries but have since recovered.
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Following the judge’s order, Patel will remain in county jail for a couple of weeks as a “bridging period.” He will then reside at his parents’ home in San Mateo County, only allowed to leave for court or treatment sessions.
Patel must wear a GPS monitor, return to court weekly for progress reports, and undergo medication compliance tests twice a week.
Additionally, Patel must abstain from alcohol and drugs, cannot possess weapons, is prohibited from driving, and must surrender his driver’s license and passport.
His next court hearing is scheduled for July 1 for further proceedings