Gristina and her family got into a waiting SUV.

She'd been brought to the courthouse from jail so that her ankle monitor could be attached. "She was very scared, she was very nervous — she was very happy to be out," bail bondsman Ira Judelson said.

Gristina will be allowed to leave her home, Judelson said, adding that he'd set exact parameters in the days to come.

She's due back in court Aug. 17.

Ever since the appeals court lowered Gristina's bail, her supporters had been trying to put together the money, particularly after she decided to decline an offer from one of her former lawyers who was willing to put up his Manhattan loft apartment as collateral.

Judelson said Tuesday that a family friend put up property for Gristina's bond. He and defense attorney Norman Pattis declined to give specifics.

By law, prosecutors sometimes can review bail arrangements and raise objections if they think the money isn't legitimate. In Gristina's case, the DA's office didn't object, and Merchan OK'd the plan.