I remember reading about this in an early history of Pennsylvania prison reform but I could never find it again. SuperGrok thought long and hard and found it.
[ Section XIII.] Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That upon the application of any of the said malefactors or any other in their behalf it shall and may be lawful for the court in which they were convicted at and before the expiration of their servitude to make inquiry as well of the sheriff, gaoler or keeper of the work-house or house of correction as of the keeper and keepers and others concerning the conduct and behaviour of such applicant during his or her servitude, and, if it shall appear thereupon to them that such person hath labored faithfully without attempting an escape and evidenced by a patient submission to the justice of their punishment a sincere reformation, then and in such case the said court shall grant to every such person a certificate thereof which shall also be recorded without fee in the proceedings of such court, and shall thereupon operate as a discharge from all claims and demands of the party injured and also as a pardon of the guilt and infamy of the offence, and give him or her a new capacity and credit.[12 Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania ch. 241 at 288 (1786)]
Clearly, the idea of lifelong disability is not as as straightforward as some imagine.
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