Never Give a Statement Without First Calling a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Much of the time the difference between an acquittal and a conviction is whether you give a statement. And statements lead to convictions.
You absolutely have the right to not give a statement to any law enforcement about any criminal matter in which you may be a suspect. This right is guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution (see the Supreme Court case of Miranda v. Arizona). If you are being investigated (or in any way suspect that you might be under investigation), ALWAYS claim this right and ask to speak to a lawyer.
In the vast majority of cases, when you are interviewed by law enforcement, they are not really looking for the truth. They are looking for a conviction. They are allowed to lie to you, manipulate you and do almost everything possible to get you to give a statement that incriminates you in some way. Do not give them the satisfaction. Ask for a lawyer.
If a detective brings you in for interrogation they will often begin with small talk designed to make you comfortable. Don’t let them. Immediately ask for a lawyer and refuse to say anything. When you are interviewed by some late enforcement agencies, they will put you in an interrogation room with bare walls. This is designed to intimidate you and make you uncomfortable. You can only equalize the battle by not giving a statement and asking to see an experienced defense lawyer.
Don’t get me wrong, there may be a time to tell your side of the story. Sometimes at trial it will be worth taking the stand and telling your side of the story. But let that be at trial, when you have your defense lawyer with you and you are prepared for cross-examination and you know what the real prosecution case is against you. Then and only then might it be the right time to tell your side of the story. Whether you should do this is very case dependent (with many factors involved) and you should consult closely with your lawyer to determine whether to take the stand.