12 V.S.A. § 4919: Proceedings when respondent cannot be found

When the sheriff or his or her deputy cannot find the party against whom the warrant is issued, six business days before the time appointed for returning the same, he or she may leave a true and attested copy thereof at the usual place of abode of such person. If, at the return of the warrant, he or she cannot find or apprehend the person against whom it issued, he or she shall make a return of such fact of the time he or she so left a copy. If the party complained against does not appear at the time appointed for trial, a district judge, in his or her discretion, may adjourn or proceed with the case, but shall not impose a fine at such hearing.