Massachusetts General Laws Part IV. Crimes, Punishments and Proceedings in Criminal Cases (Ch. 263-280) Ch. 276, § 25

A summons shall require the defendant to appear before the court at a stated time and place on the return day and shall be served by an officer authorized to serve criminal process by giving to the defendant in hand or by leaving at his dwelling house or last and usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein an attested copy not less than twenty-four hours before the return day, or by mailing an attested copy to the defendant's last known address.