Dharmesh Patel, the California radiologist accused of deliberately driving his car off a 330-foot cliff with his family aboard, including his wife and two young children aged 4 and 7 at the time, has been granted mental health diversion by the court. This legal decision, prompted by evidence of Patel's major depressive disorder, originates from the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.

Initially pleading not guilty to three counts of attempted murder following the incident at Devil’s Slide on the Pacific Coast Highway in San Mateo County last year, Patel's eligibility for mental health diversion was determined by Judge Susan Jakubowski. The court approved a treatment plan tailored to address Patel's mental health needs, as outlined in a news release from the district attorney's office.

"The court found the defendant suitable and granted the defense request for mental health diversion after careful consideration of all factors," the release stated.

Despite the court's ruling, the district attorney’s office strongly opposed the diversion, advocating for Patel to stand trial on the attempted murder charges. District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe reiterated the office's stance against diversion, acknowledging, however, that under California law, such determinations fall within the court's purview.

Pending release to his parents' residence in San Mateo County, Patel will remain in custody for several weeks under stringent conditions. These include mandatory weekly court appearances for progress monitoring, biweekly compliance tests to ensure medication adherence, a prohibition on alcohol and drugs, and the surrender of his driver's license and passport.

Additional specifics regarding Patel's release will be disclosed during his upcoming court appearance scheduled for July 1, Wagstaffe confirmed. Requests for comment from Patel's legal representation regarding the recent developments in the case were not immediately answered.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the dramatic circumstances and the profound impact on Patel's family. As the legal proceedings continue, the community awaits further clarity on how the mental health diversion will unfold and its implications for future hearings.