Judge tosses attempted murder case against California dad who allegedly drove family off 300-foot cliff

A San Mateo County judge dismissed attempted murder charges against Dharmesh Patel on March 14, 2026, after he completed a mental health diversion program. Patel drove his Tesla off Devil's Slide cliff in July 2023 with his wife and two children inside the vehicle. All three family members survived the crash. Under California's mental health diversion law, charges are dismissed upon successful completion of a treatment program if the defendant's mental state contributed to the alleged conduct.

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