Blame the lawyers. That's what they're good for. "On advice of every defense lawyer I've ever heard, and even former prosecutors now in a position to give unb

Blame the lawyers. That's what they're good for. "On advice of every defense lawyer I've ever heard, and even former prosecutors now in a position to give unbiased advice, unlike you, so I'm following their advice." The real answer to "why" is that "Asking for a lawyer is a ritual incantation that drives cops away like holy water does for vampires." You can't say that, so blame advice you've been given instead, or just keep repeating "I want a lawyer [in order to be able to talk to you]" like it's a mantra. You don't have to explain yourself. Cops are not interested in "why". They know perfectly well why. They know you don't want a lawyer, you just want to end the cop's interview and fishing expedition. They don't like that, so they're going to make you feel guilty about asking for a lawyer when you know and they know you really don't want one, and they're going to try to make you say something dumb as a result.