If she gets stopped for a traffic violation in another state that could be a problem if it comes up there is outstanding warrant in DC>

There are a lot of ifs.

Has she been busted before?

What are the charges?

Do they have a strong case?

Generally speaking, it's not a good idea to become a fugitive.  It can come back and bite you in the ass some day.

(still not a lawyer)

A provider I know just got arrested in DC for prostitution. She is thinking about leaving town and not showing up for court, just never coming back to DC. Seems like an ill advised strategy. What should she do? anyone familiar enough with DC's laws concerning probation. Would she have to stay in the city after sentencing.

and have initiated a "safe surrender" program to try to reduce this number.

      So realistically a lady would have to be unlucky to be pursued for a state misdemeanor arrest. But why take the chance - that bench warrant will issue and then you face serious legal jeopardy.

I have to agree that becoming a fugitive is a bad idea.   If she does not appear a bench warrant might be issued...   someday, years from now, a simple traffic violation ends with your friend in the back of a squad car with twin braclets by Smith & Wesson.  It takes a misdemeanor & raises it to something that'll stay on her record.
I'm dropping a link below which discusses penaltities & diversion programs...  see what she might be eligible for.    
I think she needs some legal consultation before doing anything & to see if she can get this straightened out.   It might just be possible to pay a fine & then never come back.   Some areas will accept a plea to a lesser offense that doesn't sound as bad like disorderly or something...  

I agree. There are three DC Criminal Codes that apply and the courts here are tough and jails tougher. No wonder the girl is scared and if she is not from North East or even American the first thought would be to flee. A sympathetic court can grant a $500 fine and probation in lieu of incarceration and bar her from DC for several years. This is better than the lifelong fear she will have to live with when travelling in North East.

thanks and I could not agree more and of-course have told her this repeatedly. Still think she is going to hit road

The "flight rather than fight" impulse is hard to suppress, but as a "professional defendant" who's been in court more times that most lawyers (charges not related to the Hobby), I can advise it's always better to stay and fight. There needs to be closure on this charge so it can't resurrect at some point in the future and Murphy's Law says it will raise it's ugly head at the least opportune time.  After the decision is made to face the system, there are lots of viable alternatives. Rule One is invest in a good lawyer! I've managed to not be a "Guest of the State" for even a night, thanks to good honest attorneys.