Luann de Lesseps Strikes Plea Deal to Avoid Jail in Drunk Arrest Case

Luann de Lesseps is now pleading guilty to 3 charges in her drunken arrest case, but she's dodging the felony charge -- as part of a plea deal -- which would keep her out of jail.

The troubled 'RHONY' star agreed to plead guilty to battery, trespassing and disorderly intoxication for her Palm Beach County arrest. She was originally facing a felony charge of resisting an officer with violence, as well as the other 2 misdemeanors. That resisting charge was reduced to battery.

You'll recall, Luann was arrested on Christmas Eve in Palm Beach, FL -- she allegedly attacked a cop during her bust. She was caught on video telling an officer she'd kill him if he continued to touch her.

As part of the deal, she'll be placed on probation for a year. She'll have to complete 50 hours of community service and attend two AA meetings a week in NY, where she lives. Luann cannot consume alcohol or drugs and must submit to random testing. She also had to write an apology letter to the cop she hit.