Radiologist's Charges Dropped After Mental Health Program

A San Mateo County judge dismissed all charges against radiologist Dharmesh Patel on Monday, July 8, 2026. Patel, 45, had been charged with attempted murder following a January 2, 2023 incident where his Tesla plunged off a 250-foot cliff on the Pacific Coast Highway. He, his wife, and their two young children miraculously survived the crash.

The dismissal followed Patel's completion of a two-year mental health diversion program. This program involved treatment with a Stanford psychiatrist and a family therapist. In 2024, a judge had ruled Patel would receive mental health treatment instead of facing trial, accepting defense arguments of major depression with hallucinations at the time of the incident.

Patel, originally from Pasadena, was on a family road trip when the crash occurred. He reportedly told a psychiatrist he was depressed and believed kidnappers would traffic his children. His wife testified that she had forgiven him and did not wish for him to be prosecuted, stating their children missed him.

Following the dismissal, Patel surrendered his medical license in December 2025, having been barred from practicing medicine during the charges. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe expressed frustration, noting the law requires dismissal if treatment is completed and advocating for changes to exclude attempted murder from diversion eligibility.