NEW : Lawyer : The case gained the attention of civil rights leaders , who say the African-American mother of three was persecuted because of her race , and from others , including U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown , who said the sentence was too harsh and Alexander never should have been charged . Marissa Alexander is `` ecstatic '' and `` incredibly grateful '' Court : Judge. Alexander was convicted in March of aggravated assault . Alexander said she fired a warning shot to fend off her allegedly abusive husband .
NEW : Lawyer : Marissa Alexander is `` ecstatic '' and `` incredibly grateful '' Court : Judge. Alexander was convicted in March of aggravated assault . Alexander said she fired a warning shot to fend off her allegedly abusive husband .