There seems to be so much discussion/worry about this - my friend (JFGroup username) asked me to share my experiences here - to perhaps help clarify or lay calm over the issue.
I used to work primarily in LA, and traveled often around the country. I've had 3 different experiences in 3 different cities (all between 2000 and 2002) that made it clear to me what I/we needed to do in order to be legal. Perhaps things have changed - I've been out of the business for over a year - but this is exactly what happened to me.
First, around the year 2001, I was called and offered any amount of money to come down from LA to Orange county. I finally agreed, and when I arrived at the address I was given, I saw that it was a crappy little hotel. After meeting the guy and walking in, I just laid on the bed and talked and looked at the guy, who remained seated on a chair by the bed and made no move towards me. I saw that there was cash laid out on the nightstand, but even if there hadn't been, I wouldn't have asked for it. After 10 minutes talking, at which time money or what we would do was never mentioned, I motioned to the guy to come over to me and I started to undo his belt. At that time he said he needed to use the bathroom - and that must have been the signal, as two other guys came in, snapped a poloroid camera picture of me, dumped my purse, and started giving me the 3rd degree.
HOWEVER - on the way to the OC jail - the cop who'd been in the room with me first told me that nothing was going to happen to me - because I hadn't asked for or touched the money. He said very clearly - in order for the judge to convict - I have to get you to say / ask for / take a specific amount of money in exchange for a sexual service. Because you didn't ask for or count the money - we have no case.
And, as he said, nothing was ever filed against me.
One year later - the exact same thing happened to a girlfriend of mine - but happened in fake apartment set up - but she touched/talked about the money - so she got charged.
The second time was in Las Vegas. Again, I was called and asked to travel from LA to Vegas - and asked to bring another girl with me. This time, one of the 3 guys in the room asked us point blank in the first 5 minutes if each would be willing to have sex with all of them. It was an awkward question - asked as if we girls thought they were attractive enough to sleep with - so of course we said yes. But that's all they needed. They needed an explicit agreement to exchange sex acts for money - and they got it. Busted. Major hassel - but I sure learned.
Third time confirmed it again. In Chicago - had an appt to see 2 guys. Clue - they didn't want an alcholic beverage - and after 3 minutes asked - So, this will cost us $600? I said, Oh no - that was just to screen people! You guys are adorable, you don't have to pay anything! They were SOOO annoyed - and actually left 3 minutes later - and were struggling to come up with an excuse like - if they couldn't pay then they didn't want it.
SO - it seemed like the standard just about everywhere was - if you don't talk about money and service, nor touch/acknowlege clients money - the situation is perfectly LEGAL. In fact, I thereafter went so far as, if a client offered or tried to hand me money prior to the session beginning, I would say very clearly "No thank you - you keep that." And the begin the session. BINGO. Myself, my client, in that instant, become legal.
However, I can see how this would make some providers nervous about not getting paid. So I suggest to fellas that correct/standard protocol for this industry should be - when guys come in, they spread the donation out somewhere clearly visible where the girl can even practically gauge that it's the right amount from a glance, but the guys say absolutely nothing in the process of doing that, and then the girl must not touch it or discuss it either.
After the session is over, in which both parties have fully participated so their true intentions are revealed, and client has walked out the door - only then do I touch money.
How often was I ripped off this way - NEVER, not once!
I've heard and read those stories about LE taking sexual services and THEN busting the girl - but I can tell you folks - that's NOT happening to smart providers these days. THE one girl who told me THAT happened to her - also explained HOW she got that cop FIRED because she had the whole session with him video taped - as she routinely video-taped every session for her protection. Except regulars.
If LE knew how many girls now have audio and visual recording devices monitoring their new clients - they would give up and go home - and find a real way to contribute to society. See that teddy bear up on the dresser big fella? You're busted.
Moral is - GOD BLESS TER. And, only see girls that have at least one full page of good reviews. Only see girls who offer incall at their home - if you want outcall- find a girl that does incall at her home and outcall. Good girls will let you know where they live and have pictures of themselves about. Good girls will NOT have a driver. Good girls will NEVER ask for additional money or discuss it upon your arrival. And, San Fransisco and LA are safe because of their political environment. While Vegas, San Diego, and Orange County for example - are not.
Before writing this post - I saw a discussion board question that asked providers if they had ever fallen in love with a client. YES! Most all girls I knew in the biz - including myself - only dated guys they met as clients, and eventually found one they loved, married, and quit the biz to have kids with. I did. Escort clients have more respect and appreciation for women, than any other group of men in existence. (They are the ones willing to pay a women that much for her time and attention instead of trying to manipulate a girl in a bar to get it for free.)