EXCLUSIVE

Former NFL star Larry Johnson has been charged with felony domestic violence after allegedly strangling an ex-gf in Vegas last week, TMZ has learned.

According to the Clark County D.A., Larry was charged with one count of felony domestic battery stemming from the incident.

He faces a max of 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. FYI -- the fine for non-strangulation felony domestic battery is only $10,000.

As we previously reported, 32-year-old Johnson -- who once signed a $45 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs -- was arrested last week for the alleged attack inside the Bellagio hotel.

Johnson has deniedthe allegations.