During courtroom testimony, Neha Patel, the wife of the California doctor accused of driving a Tesla off a cliff with his family inside, begged prosecutors to drop the attempted murder charges, expressing the family’s need for him. Dharmesh Patel faces three counts of attempted murder after the incident left his wife and daughter seriously injured. He pleaded not guilty and claimed the Tesla experienced tire issues, although witnesses and a police report contradict that claim.
Neha Patel shared emotional details about the impact on their children, who have not seen or spoken to their father in over a year and a half. She recounted her son asking when his father would come home, showing the family’s pain and longing for reconciliation. A psychologist testified that Dharmesh Patel suffered from psychosis and delusions before the crash, suggesting a mental health diversion program could be more beneficial than a potential trial and life sentence in prison.
The psychologist described Dharmesh Patel as a motivated candidate for the mental health diversion program, emphasizing his willingness to undergo treatment. Neha Patel initially told investigators that her husband was suicidal and intentionally drove off the cliff, urging authorities not to prosecute him. However, she later clarified that he had never displayed such behavior during their 25 years together and expressed hope for a positive outcome now that his condition is being addressed.
In a bid to address mental health issues in the criminal justice system, California introduced a pre-trial diversion program in 2018 for defendants diagnosed with mental disorders. If Dharmesh Patel undergoes treatment and successfully completes the two-year program, his criminal charges would be dismissed, and his arrest record would be expunged. The family’s plea for understanding and support in this challenging situation highlights the complexities and nuances of addressing mental health concerns within the legal framework. The hope is that through proper treatment and rehabilitation, Dharmesh Patel can reintegrate into his family and society, promoting healing and recovery for all involved.
