(b) It is the duty of the lawyer not to release or authorize the release of information or opinion for dissemination by any means of public communication in connection with pending or imminent criminal litigation with which he is associated, if there is a reasonable likelihood that such dissemination will interfere with a fair trial or otherwise prejudice the due administration of justice. Where there is any such reasonable likelihood, the following will apply:
(2) From the time of arrest, issuance of an arrest warrant, or the filing of a complaint, information, or indictment in any criminal matter until the commencement of trial or disposition without trial, a lawyer associated with the prosecution or defense shall not release or authorize release of any extrajudicial statement, for dissemination by any means of public communication, relating to that matter and concerning:
(ii) the existence or contents of any confession, admission, or statement given by the accused, or the refusal or failure of the accused to make any statement;
(iii) the performance of any examinations or tests or the accused's refusal or failure to submit to an examination or test;
(iv) the identity, testimony or credibility of prospective witnesses, except that the lawyer may announce the identity of the victim if the announcement is not otherwise prohibited by law;
(v) the possibility of a plea of guilty to the offense charged or a lesser offense; or
(vi) any opinion as to the accused's guilt or innocence or as to the merits of the case or the evidence in the case.
(d) During the trial of any criminal matter, including the period of selection of the jury, no lawyer associated with the prosecution or defense shall give or authorize any extrajudicial statement or interview, relating to the trial or the parties or issues in the trial, for dissemination by any means of public communication, except that the lawyer may quote from or refer without comment to public records of the court in the case.
(e) Unless otherwise provided by law, all preliminary criminal proceeding including preliminary examinations and hearings on pretrial motions, shall be held in open court and shall be available for attendance and observation by the public; provided that, upon motion made or agreed to by the defense, the Court, in the exercise of its discretion, may order that a pretrial proceeding be closed to the public in whole or in part, on the grounds:
(2) that reasonable alternatives to closure will not adequately protect defendant's right to a fair trial. If the Court so orders, it shall state for the record its specific findings concerning the need for closure.
(g) In a widely publicized or sensational case, the Court on motion of either party or on its own motion, may issue a special order governing such matters as extrajudicial statements by parties and witnesses likely to interfere with the rights of any party to a fair trial by an impartial jury, the seating and conduct in the courtroom of spectators and news media representatives, the management and sequestration of jurors and witnesses, and any other matters which the Court may deem appropriate for inclusion in such an order.
