Larry Johnson -- DUCKS JAIL in Vegas Domestic Violence Case

Former NFL running back Larry Johnson has struck a plea deal in his domestic violence case -- and won't spend a single day behind bars for allegedly choking out his ex-GF during an argument in a Vegas hotel.

TMZ broke the story ... Johnson's GF claimed the ex-KC Chiefs player grabbed her by the neck and strangled her so hard during a 2012 spat at the Bellagio hotel, she lost consciousness.

When hotel security responded to the scene, Johnson was still fuming and told the guard, "I'll rip your f**king vocal cords out," ... so said the police report obtained by TMZ.

But today, Johnson struck a deal with Vegas prosecutors ... in which he agreed to plead no contest to misdemeanor domestic battery and assault ... and in exchange, NO JAIL.

Instead, Johnson got 1 year probation, 48 hours of community service, six months of counseling classes and must pay a $345 fine.