Stewart D. Cables
Partner
Stewart Cables has been defending companies against the federal government since his first year of practice nearly 20 years ago. A partner at Hassan + Cables, he is one of a small number of attorneys in the country with an established practice in federal EPA civil enforcement defense and criminal environmental law. Clients and referring attorneys recognize Stewart for his experience handling complex federal enforcement and white-collar criminal matters with significant regulatory, financial, and reputational exposure, often making him the first call when experienced federal counsel is needed.
He has represented companies and executives in EPA civil enforcement actions and federal criminal proceedings since 2007, building a practice that now draws referrals from counsel in Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia, and Seattle.
Federal EPA and Environmental Defense
Stewart defends companies and executives in EPA civil enforcement actions and federal criminal proceedings under the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and related federal environmental statutes. His work includes defense against aftermarket emissions modification allegations, defeat device cases, tampering charges, and California Air Resources Board enforcement matters.
The EPA has dedicated resources, experienced attorneys, and a well-established enforcement process. Having handled these matters for nearly two decades, Stewart provides clients with valuable insight into how enforcement actions are investigated, negotiated, and litigated.
White-Collar Federal Defense
Beyond environmental law, Stewart handles federal white collar criminal defense for business owners and executives facing government scrutiny, including healthcare fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy charges, and administrative enforcement actions. He co-counsels with specialists, including former DOJ attorneys, when the matter calls for it.
Post-Conviction Relief
​When the DOJ announced in 2025 that it would no longer enforce aftermarket emissions control removal as a federal crime, Stewart began pursuing post-conviction relief, including presidential pardons for clients previously convicted under that statute. The argument is that people convicted under a standard the government has since abandoned deserve a path to relief.
Civil Litigation and Employment
​Stewart also handles civil litigation, including breach of contract, fraud, tort claims, and commercial disputes. He has significant experience in employment litigation and takes contingency employment cases when the facts and the client are strong. He is, at his core, a courtroom lawyer. Federal or state, civil or criminal, he approaches every matter by building the strongest possible case and fighting for the outcome.
Representative Matters
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Negotiated a civil EPA Clean Air Act enforcement liability of approximately $20 million down to $1.1 million
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Maintained an active docket of dozens of simultaneous EPA civil enforcement matters for clients in the automotive aftermarket and diesel performance industries
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Defended clients in federal criminal proceedings arising from aftermarket emissions control modifications and defeat device allegations
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Pursued presidential pardons and post-conviction relief for clients convicted of emissions offenses under enforcement standards the DOJ has since abandoned
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Handles federal white collar criminal defense for business owners and executives, including healthcare fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy charges
Education
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University of Denver Sturm College of Law (J.D.)
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University of Denver Daniels College of Business (M.B.A. and M.S. in Management)
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University of Colorado Boulder (B.A., History)