“Home Alone” star Daniel Stern has just been hit with a criminal charge in California for allegedly trying to hire a hooker.

A rep for the Ventura County District Attorney tells TMZ … prosecutors just charged the actor with soliciting prostitution.

We’re told Daniel’s arraignment is set for Tuesday morning … but it sounds like prosecutors aren’t expecting him to be there. Instead, we’re told Daniel’s attorney could appear for him.

TMZ broke the story … Daniel was issued a citation last month for allegedly trying to hire an escort at a hotel in Camarillo, CA.

Daniel wasn’t arrested at the time, only given a ticket, but now he’s getting the book thrown at him.

A rep for the Ventura County DA’s Office told us the case was submitted to them late Friday by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office … so it didn’t take long for prosecutors to decide to formally file criminal charges against Daniel.