If there's one thing around here that causes confusion and fear it's the specter offsetting busted by the cops. Yes, it's true that prostitution is illegal. But as I understand it, there are levels to this hobby which would have an effect on the likelihood of you getting into trouble. Maybe if we understood them, there would be less freaking out around here.
I'm going to offer my thoughts on this, and encourage people to add or poke holes in what I've presented.
Level One: Good Ole Hooktard and Fucktard hookups. As long as neither of you is a cop, odds of getting into trouble are slim unless you're caught in the act. And then, the risks of trouble go up if one or both have warrants or are carrying drugs or guns.
Level Two: Incall bust. Fucktard vists undercover cop at an incall. At minimum you will get a ticket. You could get arrested. Nothing you say or do at that time will get you out of it. As part of the processing, they will take your photo and could go through your phone and other personal effects. No, they aren't looking to see the girls you know to bust them for hooking. They are more likely looking to see if you're connected to other, more serious criminal activity. If you're not connected to anything more serious, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. Get a lawyer, plead down and either quit doing this or use the knowledge you just gained to not get caught.
Levels Two b: Outcall bust for the hooktard. Same stuff applies as above but if you've been busted several times before, you could be looking at a felony. giving up your client list won't help you out, unless some of your clients are wanted criminals. If caught, having guns, drugs or warrants will get you in more trouble than the prostitution charge. Definitely need a lawyer and could go to jail for a few months.
Level Three: Organized crime ie promotion and or human trafficking. This is some serious shit and stuff to be avoided either as a hooktard or fucktard. Promotion is a felony and trafficking is a federal offense. If the Feds ever charge you, odds are they feel 99 percent confident of getting you convicted. These are the types of crimes vice cops want to solve. It's the biggest bang for their buck and helps secure federal funding for various task forces. People in the hobby who don't solely rely on backpage typically don't come close to this stuff knowingly