Judge dismisses attempted murder charges against California radiologist after mental health program

A San Mateo County judge dismissed all attempted murder charges against a Pasadena radiologist on Monday after he completed a two-year mental health diversion program. Dharmesh Patel, 45, had been accused of deliberately driving his Tesla off a roughly 300-foot cliff along the Pacific Coast Highway in San Mateo County on Jan.

2, 2023. His wife and two young children were in the vehicle and all four survived the crash. The judge ordered the dismissal after receiving reports that Patel had finished the required treatment with a psychiatrist and a family therapist, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

Background of the case Prosecutors had charged Patel with three counts of attempted murder. Defense attorneys argued he was experiencing major depressive disorder with hallucinations at the time of the incident and qualified for mental health diversion under a California law that took effect in 2023.

A different judge approved the diversion program in 2024 over prosecutors’ objections. Patel was released from jail, moved in with his parents, wore a GPS monitor, surrendered his driver’s license and passport, and checked in with the court weekly.

Family response and license status Patel’s wife testified that she had forgiven him and wanted him home with their children. After the charges were dismissed, Patel walked to the courtroom gallery where his wife was waiting and the two left together.

The Medical Board of California had barred Patel from practicing medicine while charges were pending. The board said Tuesday that he surrendered his California medical license in December.