...is there any obligation for you to identify your employer? Even if directly asked? If not, would LE make an effort to find out?

but if you are a hobbyist I don't see why they would be interested. If they do want to know for whatever reason, I don't think it would be hard for them to find out. LE has access to tax information, armed with your SSAN indentfiying your employer would be a piece of cake.

I don't think LE really cares where you work unless you have a sensitive government assignment or if you are LE yourself.  Virtually all fingerprinting is now done with a "Livescan" system.  Livescan is where your fingerprints are rolled on a piece of glass and recorded with a laser.  The prints are automatically electronically sent to the state and federal fingerprint file.  If you have a government security clearance or you are LE, DA, firefighter, teacher, paramedic, military, etc., your fingerprints are on file and your employer will be notified under those circumstances.  

If you ask to be released on your own recognizance you will be required to fill out an application which includes information about your employment.  The court is more interested in you being a flight risk than LE is about your employer.  This information applies in California but I am sure other states are similar

I had to get a clearance for a volunteer job which involved a "Livescan."  I went to the county jail where the sheriff rolled my fingerprints for a fee.  The machine looked like the scanners used in grocery stores. My fingerprints appeared on a monitor screen as he rolled each finger on a glass plate.  When he was finished the prints were transmitted electronically to the state data base Sacramento and to FBI fingerprint data base Morgantown W.Va. I worked for the government when I graduated from college in 1966, plus I was in the military. That information popped up on the screen within ten minutes after I was fingerprinted. It was all done with computers at the speed of light.

No, you can remain silent until your lawyer is present.

The police are working to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, they are not your friend. Always wait for a lawyer, you have nothing to gain by talking. If I can only say one good thing about the ACLU it is for producing a video I viewed a while back on public access that explained the benefits of staying silent and asserting your rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. I basically have only used it to advise others, as I never have contraband on my person, but it amazes me how so many are bullied into thinking they have to allow police to search their car, they have to answer questions about this or that,etc.

But if the local paper picks it up, I've seen many times where they print your work, your address etc.

A very informative bit of info.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8167533318153586646&hl=en

Hey I want my lawyer

What if you don't have a lawyer? I've never had a need for one. Is it a good idea, or common practice, to meet a criminal defense laywer and ask them if you could call on them if necessary?

I'm sure LE won't give you a chance to call around to look for one while you're in their hands.
I'm not being sarcastic at all,but if feels as though I sound like I am. I'm really curious.