R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-35-3: Service of citation.

The citation shall contain the substance of the complaint and shall be served on the owner by a deputy sheriff, at least ten (10) days before the return day of the citation, by leaving an attested copy at the last and usual place of abode of the owner, or by reading the same in his or her presence and hearing, if he or she resides in this state. If the owner resides outside the state, the citation may be served upon him or her in the manner prescribed by law for service of subpoenas on nonresident defendants.