Final answer:
Refusing a chemical test when charged with a DWI typically results in the suspension or revocation of your driver's license due to implied consent laws, and additional penalties may apply, such as fines and mandatory programs.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you refuse a chemical test of your breath or blood when being charged with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), you will likely face legal consequences. The specific outcome can vary by jurisdiction but commonly includes the immediate suspension or revocation of your driver's license. This is due to implied consent laws present in many states, which stipulate that by driving on public roads, you have agreed in advance to submit to chemical testing if suspected of DWI.
Further penalties for refusal can also include fines, mandatory alcohol education, or treatment programs, and sometimes even jail time. It is essential to understand that even without a chemical test result, you can still be charged with a DWI based on other evidence of impairment.