Rhode Island General Laws Title 5. Businesses and Professions § 5-5.1-5. Subpoenas, oaths, and contempt

(a) The attorney general, or his or her designee, shall have the power and authority to issue subpoenas and to compel the attendance of witnesses at any place within this state; to administer oaths; and to require testimony under oath. The attorney general may serve his or her process or notices in a manner provided for the service of process and notice in civil actions in accordance with the rules of court.

(b) If a witness refuses to obey a subpoena or to give any evidence relevant to proper inquiry by the attorney general, the attorney general may petition a court of competent jurisdiction within the state to compel the witness to obey the subpoena or to give the evidence. The court shall promptly issue process to the witness and hold a hearing on the petition as soon as possible. If the witness refuses, without reasonable cause or legal grounds, to be examined or to give evidence relevant to proper inquiry by the attorney general, the court may cite the witness for contempt.