San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Susan Jakubowski ruled on June 20 that 43-year old Pasadena-based doctor Dharmesh Patel is eligible and suitable for a mental health diversion. Patel faced three counts of attempted murder after he drove his family off a cliff in a Tesla in January last year.
Fortunately, first responders were able to rescue all four passengers, including Patel, his wife and their two children from the car, which had landed on a rocky beach under the cliff. Patel faced trial for three counts of attempted murder, but pleaded not guilty and appealed for a mental health diversion, through which he would avoid a criminal trial and prison time, and instead undergo mental health treatment.
The mental health diversion hearing started on April 24, and Judge Jakubowski heard from the prosecution and the defense. Patel’s attorneys made the case that he suffers from major depressive disorder and that his actions were driven by delusional fears. Patel’s wife Neha also gave her testimony via Zoom and urged the judge to grant him the mental health diversion.
On Thursday, Judge Jakubowski ruled that Patel was a “kind and loving” person who would benefit more from mental health treatment than awaiting trial – and potentially a prison sentence – in jail.
“He wants to continue psychiatric treatment,” Jakubowski said. “The court believes he now realized the importance of being forthright.”
According to the mental health diversion program, Patel will remain in jail for a few more weeks, before being transferred to his parents’ residence in Belmont, where he will undergo treatment. If he completes the program successfully over the next two years, the prosecution will have to dismiss all charges against him.