R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-16-14: Unauthorized services of process.

Any individual who serves, or attempts to serve, any writ or legal process for any court of this state, other than deputy sheriffs, and those town sergeants and town constables so authorized for this service pursuant to this chapter, or in accordance with the provisions of chapter 5 of title 9, or other individuals authorized by law or by rule of court shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and/or imprisoned for a term of not less than six (6) months, nor more than one year in prison, for each violation; provided, that this section does not apply to any city or town constable nor to any power or authority granted to them by any general or special law.