A Pasadena doctor accused of attempting to murder his family by intentionally driving their Tesla off a California cliff is requesting to enter a mental health diversion program. This move aims to avoid a potential prison sentence.

Dharmesh Patel, 41, faces three counts of attempted murder. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in February following the January 3 incident where his Tesla plummeted off Devil's Slide, a notoriously dangerous section of Highway 1. Miraculously, Patel, his wife, and their two young children survived the harrowing plunge.

Patel's legal team argues that his recently diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD) qualifies him for the mental health diversion program. Under California law, eligibility hinges on the mental disorder being a "significant factor" in the alleged crime. Successful completion of the program could lead to the dismissal of charges and the expungement of the arrest.

While murder and voluntary manslaughter charges preclude participation in this program, attempted murder is not explicitly excluded. The court will ultimately decide whether to reinstate the original charges after the program's completion.

Patel's wife has stated that he informed the family of his intentions before driving off the cliff. Patel, however, claimed the Tesla Model Y experienced tire problems, causing the 250-foot drop. This account contrasts sharply with his wife's affidavit, which asserts Patel's actions were deliberate due to his depression.

The dramatic rescue involved the use of hydraulic rescue tools to extract the family from the wreckage. While Patel's son miraculously escaped injury, his daughter sustained serious but ultimately non-life-threatening injuries. Patel's wife suffered the most severe injuries in the crash.

A decision regarding Patel's eligibility for the mental health diversion program is expected at the end of July.