"They just want my side of the story." It sounds reasonable — and it is the reason so many people talk themselves into a worse position. Here is how to think about a police interview.
An interview is evidence, not a conversation
A record of interview is recorded and can be played to a court. Nervous, out of context, and without the full picture of the allegation, even an innocent person can say something that is later used against them. The right to silence exists for exactly this reason.
You are almost never required to participate
For the allegation itself, you generally do not have to answer questions. Declining an interview is not an admission of guilt, and a court cannot treat your silence as proof against you.
When participating can help — and when it cannot
Occasionally there is a genuine tactical reason to give an account, for example to raise a clear defence early. But that decision should be made with advice, after we understand what police actually allege. It is not a decision to make alone, in a police station, at night.
General information only, not legal advice.