Taryn Manning Skates in Makeup Artist Attack Case

Actress Taryn Manning just dodged a bullet ... the criminal case against her for allegedly beating down her makeup artist has been dismissed -- with one small string attached.

Manning was arrested last month after she allegedly punched and kicked her makeup artist/friend/roommate after a night of heavy drinking. She was charged with assault and obstruction of breathing or blood circulation.

The victim -- Holly Hartman -- declined to prosecute the case, and this AM, a judge granted an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. Translation: If Taryn keeps her nose clean for the next 6 months and does one day of community service, the arrest and criminal charges just go away -- as if it never happened.