When you say
> “I’d love to cooperate and talk with you, and I need a lawyer to do that”
And the cop says
> “why do you need a lawyer so bad?”
What is one supposed to say?
> “I’d love to cooperate and talk with you, and I need a lawyer to do that”
And the cop says
> “why do you need a lawyer so bad?”
What is one supposed to say?
"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.
Play the circles game with them, all day. And do it with a smile and the happiest attitude in the world.