A defendant cannot avoid the service of process by refusing to accept delivery of the documents. Courts have routinely approved service of process on individuals who attempted to evade service.  When a process server has contact with a defendant, such as watching a defendant run inside the house when the process server arrives, allows for the summons to be read aloud and dropped at the defendants door. 

Delivery does not require the copy of the summons and compliant be placed in the defendant’s hand nor be even physically touched the suit papers (although the latter ceremony may at one time have the thought the only way to effect personal service).  There is a requirement there be a minimum exchange between Process Server and the person being served however the papers may be dropped in lieu of the defendant taking the papers in hand had he not be attempting to evade.