have been in this lifestyle for so long that I often forget that risk exists.
In recent times I only see providers who require screening.  I am yet to meet a provider or client in this world who has ever been arrested.

In fact a simple search will reveal interesting information.

Since laws vary so much by region I really wanted to focus on the reality in DC Maryland Virginia as opposed to special scenarios in other parts of the country which might not be relevant here.

Yes, there is usually a full arrest and you will be cuffed and put is a van with the dozen or so "Johns" that get busted in the same sting. From there you will be taken to see a commissioner to get a bond. About 80% of the time the defendant is released on personal recog. The others are given a minnimal bond. Please please please bear the embarrasment and get a female lawyer. Those charges are usually thrown out if you have a compitent lawyer. Even if you are convicted there is a good chance to get it expunged but it will cost you a few dollars and you have good legal rep.  I would recomend that all hobbyists and providers have a lawyer and a bondsman on standby should the worst happen. This way the least amount of people will know about the arrest and you will spend the least amount of time detained. PM me if you need a referral.

...when posting under an alias there is no PM option.

Look up the laws in your local library about the penalties for prostitution crimes. You can also check on the internet. I heard of a case where a guy was busted at BWI with a clearance. He got lucky because the agency was able to help get the charge removed off his record. I  guess they considered it BS.

Is there some advantage of getting a female lawyer instead of male one? I would think female lawyer would be more resentful of Johns..

That is where you have to use your better judgement and not retain one who has a resentful demeanor. I have met a couple women in the legal field that are on an anti Jobn crusade but they usually work for the state. Put it this way,  take a feeble little runaway prostitute, her big bad pimp, this perverse John, a woman prosecutor, possibly a woman judge. Now you have a slimy cuttbroat male lawyer defending you. I think you would be better suited with a woman in your corner.

Get there a little early. Drive through the motel/hotel parking lots and look for LE and their cars.  They cant hide them and they arent calling Hertz. It wont be just one car and google to find out what type of vehicles local LE has in the jurisdiction you are visiting. They are going to use unmarked cars and they arent going to use any vehicles out of the ordinary because there isnt any reason too.  This isnt a multimillion dollar drug deal.  These are johns  and the cops would much rather be doing someone or something else.  

OK, in DC:
-you are Really Arrested, and cuffed
-you are put in a filthy cell, for up to 18 hours without water, with real thugs
-you are finger printed and mugshot
-you are released w/o bail and appear for a prelim hearing, then a final hearing in front of a judge
-you are released from the central holding cells, and your wallet and shoe laces are back at the first station house where they booked you, so no taxi, no metro, looooong walk in loose shoes
-you do get a permanent record
-It is a misdemeanor, and is usually given a 'diversion' first offence
- diversion means 'John School'
- your criminal record doesn't just say 'misdemeanor' it says 'sexual solicitation'

http://www.ridelust.com/beat-the-heat-seven-ways-to-spot-an-unmarked-police-car/

There are female lawyers who specialize in prostitution.