Marissa Alexander, the Florida woman who claimed self-defense after prosecutors say she fired a gun at her estranged husband and his two sons, was released from prison as part of a plea agreement for time served.

Alexander was sentenced Tuesday to the 1,095 days she had already served in jail after pleading guilty in November to three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the 2010 incident, in which her defense lawyers said she fired a "warning shot" after her ex-husband threatened to kill her.

Alexander also received two years of house arrest.

"Four and a half years have passed since the events of August 1st, 2010, but today, after the sentence imposed by Judge [James] Daniel, my family and I will be able to move forward with our lives," Alexander said after her release Tuesday. "Although the journey has been long, and there have been many difficult moments, I could not have arrived here and where I am today without the thoughts — many thoughts and many prayers of so many people — who have voiced their support and encouragement. Words can never express my gratitude for those who have stood by me, including my children and family."

The 34-year-old faced 60 years if convicted at trial, because of Florida's minimum mandatory sentencing law pertaining to firearm use.

The jury at her first trial found her guilty after deliberating for 12 minutes. That was thrown out after a judge ruled the trial court incorrectly required Alexander to prove she was abused by her ex-husband.

Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill inspired by Alexander's case into law last year, allowing for certain exceptions to Florida's "10-20-Life" law, including instances of threatened use of force that would not fall under the sentencing law.

Alexander, now a free woman, said she plans on getting her children through school, as well as furthering her own education.

"I look forward to the full-time challenge of getting my two teenagers through high school and into college, as well as preparing my 4-year-old daughter for nursery school," she said. "My goal is to continue my education beyond my master's degree and to continue my professional career."

"Moving forward, I will continue to learn lessons from the events of the past, but I will not live in the past," Alexander added. "At the age of 34, live is too short, and there is too much that I have to accomplish in the years ahead. It is my hope and prayer that everyone associated with this case will also be able to move forward with their lives."

Information from The Associated Press and CNN was used in this report.