Dharmesh Patel's attorney argues 'good man' who drove family off cliff deserves mental health treatment

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: An attorney representing Dharmesh Patel, who is accused of driving his Tesla off a cliff with his family, portrayed him as a good man and a "decent human being" with "zero criminal history."

Patel is charged with three counts of attempted murder. This comes after he drove his car off a 250-foot cliff at Devil Slide in January 2023 with his wife Neha Patel and their two children, an 8-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son.

Both his wife and his legal team have argued against incarceration and are advocating for mental health treatment for Patel.

Dharmesh Patel’s attorney stresses on mental health factor

During a hearing in the Mental Health Diversion Court within a San Mateo County courtroom on Friday, May 10, Patel's family and a judge listened to closing arguments. 

His defense attorney, Joshua Bentley, presented reasons why criminal charges should not be pursued, emphasizing that "not everyone who commits a crime is a criminal." 

Bentley further advocated for a mental health diversion, noting, “Mr Patel is a good man, a good husband and a good father. He is beloved by his community."

Bentley added, "He has zero criminal history. [The crash] was 100 percent a mental health episode. He has been receiving treatment for 16 months. Every case has a risk factor.”

Bentley mentioned the substantial support for Patel, with 47 letters submitted on his behalf as per People.

If granted the treatment, Bentley stated that his client would be placed in an intensive program and monitored using a GPS bracelet equipped with a siren. 

Bentley reiterated, “Mr Patel is a decent human being with zero criminal history. The law calls for this very exact situation, and it allows the court to divert.”

District attorney argues Dharmesh Patel poses danger to public safety

Deputy District Attorney Dominique Davis argued on Friday against the case qualifying for mental health diversion, asserting that "the defendant will pose an unreasonable risk of danger to public safety."

Citing testimony from Dr Yan Chan, Davis mentioned Patel's diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, characterized by a combination of symptoms from schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and mood disorder symptoms like depression or mania.

The prosecution stated, "He was hearing footsteps at night. He feared his children would be sold into sex slavery. He carried a knife around for three days. None of this was based on reality ... and the defendant felt compelled to act. He drove his entire family over a cliff. It's a very high and deadly drop. What is most frightening is, no one saw this coming." 

Davis highlighted Patel's ability to "mask" his mental illness. Davis also mentioned Patel's reported concerns over Russia and Ukraine, child sex trafficking, and Jeffrey Epstein around the time of the crash.

Neha Patel pleads for husband

Previously during the hearing on May 2, Neha Patel claimed, "I don’t want to see Dharmesh prosecuted with any of his charges, I am pleading with the court to grant him his mental health diversion."

She emphasized, "Seeing my kids in constant pain is one of the hardest things I’ve had to endure. Once I tuck my children into bed at night I’m reminded of my own solitude. I really miss my best friend. I really miss my partner in my life."

She concluded by saying that the treatment "will not only restore him back to himself, but will restore our family."