Was the lawyer present when the court sentenced him to probation?

Usually there.

Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China

Article 196 All judgments shall be publicly announced.

If a verdict is pronounced in court, it shall be served on the parties concerned and the people's procuratorate that initiated the public prosecution within five days; If the sentence is pronounced on a regular basis, it shall be served on the parties concerned and the people's procuratorate that initiated the public prosecution immediately after the announcement. The written judgment shall be served on the defender and the agent ad litem.