What happens if a witness refuses to comply with a subpoena without valid justification?

When a witness refuses to comply with a subpoena without valid justification, they may be held in contempt of court. This action indicates that the witness is failing to adhere to the legal requirements set forth by the court, which typically results in some form of penalty. The potential penalties include being fined or even imprisoned, depending on the severity of the contempt and the judge's discretion.

In the context of Texas law, a court may impose fines or custodial sentences on a witness who does not obey a subpoena, compelling a compliance with the court's order. Therefore, the most appropriate answer is that the witness may be held in contempt, which can lead to these forms of punishment.

The answer indicating that they may be fined alone does not fully capture the breadth of consequences associated with contempt of court. The repercussions can vary based on the circumstances and the judge’s ruling. Hence, the correct understanding of the legal implications of noncompliance with a subpoena takes into account the broader concept of contempt of court.