Father’s Charges Dropped After Mental Health Program | San Francisco News

A California radiologist who drove his family off a 250-foot cliff in January 2023 had all charges dropped after completing a two-year mental health diversion program — a rare legal victory that sparked debate over how attempted murder cases should be handled. Despite prosecutors’ initial objections, the judge dismissed the case under new 2023 legislation, citing Patel’s major depression and hallucinations at the time. His wife testified she forgave him and wanted him home, while his children missed their father. After jail release, Patel lived with his parents, wore a GPS bracelet, surrendered his license and passport, and had weekly court check-ins — eventually gaining supervised family visits. He also voluntarily gave up his medical license. Prosecutors are now pushing to amend the law to prevent future cases like this from being resolved through mental health diversion. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/53551c85151ce761