New Jersey Statutes Title 2A. Administration of Civil and Criminal Justice 2A § 158A-15.1

In each county, the Assignment Judge shall designate a judge or court support office who shall make an investigation of the financial status of each defendant requesting the services of the Office of the Public Defender and make a determination whether to grant the request for an appointed attorney. A determination to grant or deny the services of the Public Defender shall be subject to final review by the Assignment Judge or his designated judge. The court, or a designated court support office shall make an investigation of the financial status of each defendant requesting an appointed attorney, which investigation shall include the factors enumerated in section 14 of P.L. 1967, c. 43 (C. 2A:158A-14). The court, in its discretion, may ask for the assistance of the Public Defender in conducting the investigation.

The judge or court support office is authorized to obtain information from any public record office of the State or of any subdivision or agency thereof on request and without payment of the fees ordinarily required by law.