R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-31-7
It shall be the duty of the attorney general, to whom the director of health reports any violation of this chapter, to cause appropriate proceedings to be instituted in the proper courts without delay and to be prosecuted in the manner required by law. Before any violation of this chapter, except those violations which involve attempts to procure or procurement of drugs by unlawful means, or the unlawful manufacture, possession, sale, barter, gift, transfer, or delivery in any manner to another of a drug as defined in this chapter, is reported to the attorney general for the institution of a criminal proceeding, the person against whom the proceeding is contemplated shall be given appropriate notice and opportunity to present his or her views before the director of health or the director's designated agent, either orally or in writing in person, or by attorney, with regard to the contemplated proceeding.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-31-7