If you are arrested the first thing you should do is inform the arresting officer(s) that you choose to invoke your right to remain silent and refuse to answer any questions. You should at that point tell the officer(s) that you wish to contact an attorney.
That old saying – “anything you say can be used against you” – is true. Quite often people think that they can give law enforcement a reasonable explanation to prevent being arrested. That typically does not work. More often than not that will get you deeper into trouble. Quite often the person being arrested doesn’t know what information law enforcement is looking to obtain from them and more importantly, what information they already have. Thus, a seemingly reasonable explanation of innocence quite often helps law enforcement build a stronger case against them.
The only way to ensure that you do not fall into that pitfall is to invoke your right to remain silent. After all, it is your right.