Final answer:
Refusing a law enforcement officer's request for a drug or alcohol test during an arrest will likely lead to automatic penalties, such as license suspension, and may worsen legal outcomes if the case goes to court.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are placed under arrest and refuse to take a drug or alcohol test when asked by a law enforcement officer, it will likely result in immediate legal consequences. Refusing such a test can be considered as an admission of guilt and may lead to automatic penalties, such as the suspension of your driver's license.
Moreover, under the implied consent laws that exist in many jurisdictions, when you obtain a driver's license, you consent to submit to chemical tests upon request if you're suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). Refusing to comply can result in more severe penalties compared to what you might face if you had complied, even if you were found not guilty of DUI later on.
Beyond the immediate legal implications, refusal could also negatively impact your defense if your case goes to court, potentially resulting in more severe sentencing if you're eventually convicted of a drug or alcohol offense.