Major Ninth Circuit Win for Waymaker Client Former Dodger Star Yasiel Puig

In a major victory for Waymaker client Yasiel Puig, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the government’s interlocutory appeal in its criminal case against the former Dodgers star on Thursday May 29, 2025. Affirming the opinion of District Court Judge Dolly Gee, and largely agreeing with the arguments made by Puig’s trial team of Partner Keri Curtis Axel, Counsel Jose Nuño, and Associate Riley Smith, the Court held that Puig’s discarded plea agreement could not be introduced or used against him at trial. Judge Daniel Collins, writing for a unanimous panel, stated unequivocally that the factual basis of Puig’s plea agreement was correctly precluded as inadmissible, and could not even be used for impeachment. Bryan Cave attorneys Jean-Claude André and Elliott Averett ably represented Puig on appeal.