Yes I know - but the problem with that is that when you get to court and try to defend yourself, your defence will be weaker because you didn't answer questions at the time. It's bad advice.

Only if you aren't human. On the other hand...

>You might make mistakes when explaining where you were at the time of a crime that the police interpret as lies; the officer talking to you could misremember what you say much later

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mvkgnp/law-professor-poli...

No, your defense will be weaker if you talk because the prosecution will use your words against you. They're not going to give you virtue points for being kind to them and not bothering them with things like asserting your right to an attorney. That's not their job.

That's exactly what defense attorneys and police themselves advise. https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mvkgnp/law-professor-poli...

Well the law in some jurisdictions says explicitly

> it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court

As in the jury are allowed to take into account the fact that you did not reveal information at the first opportunity as a negative.

That's something that your solicitor would know and advise on. There is still no reason to talk to the police without an attorney/solicitor present.