Paris Hilton -- Free at Last!

After 23 days in jail, Paris Hilton is finally a free woman.

The heiress was released from prison shortly after midnight on Tuesday. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ that Paris lost nearly 10 pounds during her stay, and that on her way out of jail, she stopped to change clothes in a public restroom that "smells rancid."

Sources also tell TMZ that Lynwood jail is happy to see Paris go, and they hope that things can now get back to normal.

Story developing ...

UPDATE (12:20 AM PT) -- Here is the first look at Paris as she exits jail.